Shops & stalls add flair to Christmas festivities

As Christmas approaches, the festive spirit is alive and well in Chandigarh, especially in Sector 20 and Sector 19, where a blend of established shops and vibrant roadside stalls have become go-to destinations for residents looking to deck up their homes with Christmas cheer.

In Sector 20, a bustling neighbourhood known for its variety of shops, several local retailers have transformed their stores into Christmas wonderlands. The areas outside the shops are lined with colourful decorations, twinkling fairy lights, and sparkling ornaments, with festive music adding to the seasonal atmosphere. Local shop owners are reporting a surge in footfall, as shoppers seek to purchase everything from Christmas trees and wreaths to stockings and Santa figurines.

“Christmas is a special time for families, and people want their homes to reflect that joy,” says young Kunal, third-generation to run Vijay Flour Mills, a popular store in the area. “This year, we have Christmas trees ranging from Rs 50 going up to Rs 10,000, depending on the height and the number of decorations on those,” he said.

For those on the hunt for last-minute gifts or novelty items, a variety of quirky Christmas-themed merchandise also fills the shelves.

Just a short distance away in Sector 19, another bustling area of the city, festive shopping takes on a more charming, street-side feel. Outside the Christ The King Cathedral, several makeshift roadside stalls have popped up, offering an array of inexpensive Christmas decorations. The market here draws families and passersby looking to add a bit of festive flair without breaking the bank.

One of the most popular items at these stalls is the traditional Christmas stars. Local vendors like Ramesh Kumar who has set up a stall outside the church says the stars with lights in them are in high demand. Another hot-selling item, especially loved by children, were the Santa figurines, another vendor said.

Some vendors in Sector 19 and shops in Sector 20 also have battery and power-operated dancing Santa figurines, ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 7,000, bringing a joyful touch to Christmas decor with their rhythmic, spot-based dance moves.

Along with wreaths, the roadside stalls offer a variety of colourful baubles, tinsel, fairy lights and figurines, perfect for people looking to personalise their holiday decor. For many, shopping in Sectors 19 and 20 and has become a part of their holiday tradition. “We come here every year,” says Aditi Malhotra, a city resident. “It’s not just about buying the decorations—it’s the atmosphere that makes it so special.”

The combination of well-established stores in Sector 20 and the charm of the roadside stalls in Sector 19 offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity for Chandigarh’s Christmas shoppers.